For many of us, the Fourth of July just wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy warns that people often forget that fireworks are explosives – potentially dangerous chemicals and combustibles that can cause fires and injure people.

“Sparklers, for example, burn at 1,200 degrees,” Connealy said. “That’s almost six times hotter than boiling water.” According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for 41 percent of fireworks-related injuries.

In 2015 there were 272 fires caused by fireworks, resulting in $164,602 in property damage. This was the second year in a row to see a decrease in fireworks-related fires. View the infographic below to learn firework injury statistics, the location of the injuries and tips on how to use fireworks safely.

Texas Mutual’s board of directors voted unanimously to approve a company-record $240 million dividend distribution in 2016. Qualifying policyholder owners across Texas will share the dividend, which will be distributed beginning in July.

This is the 18th consecutive year the board has voted to distribute policyholder dividends, bringing the total to over $2 billion. Over $1 billion of that has been paid since 2012.

Texas Mutual is owned by its policyholders, not stockholders, which means the company shares its success by distributing dividends to policyholder owners who have made a commitment to preventing workplace accidents and helping injured workers get back on the job.

“Texas Mutual has a long history of rewarding our policyholder owners for their contributions to our success,” said Bob Barnes, chairman of Texas Mutual’s board. “These dividends reward safe business practices and also help our policyholders’ bottom lines. Our policyholder owners play an important role in Texas’ economy, and we know the difference these dividends can make for them.”

Texas Mutual President and CEO Rich Gergasko said the dividend distribution is about more than just financial success and that it also signifies the commitment the company and its policyholders make to keeping workplaces safe.

“Texas Mutual measures success not just in terms of dollars and cents but also in the number of lives saved and accidents prevented when employers place an emphasis on workplace safety,” Gergasko said. “We’re proud to share our success and reward the safety efforts Texas employers make with this year’s dividend distribution.”

Gergasko noted that while Texas Mutual has awarded dividends each year since 1999, they are based on performance and therefore are not guaranteed. Additionally, dividends must comply with Texas Department of Insurance regulations.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Web site provides only a simplified description of coverages and is not a statement of contract. Coverage may not apply in all states. For complete details of coverages, conditions, limits and losses not covered, be sure to read the policy, including all endorsements, or prospectus, if applicable. Coverage CANNOT be bound, amended, or altered by leaving a message on, or relying upon, information in this Website or through E-Mail.Licensed & doing business in the following states only: Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, & Mississippi